Appendix J.
TORIE
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1919.
A. NORTHERN DISTRICT.
I. STAFF.
Mr. G. N. Orme had charge of the office until March 28th, and I acted from March 29th until the end of the year.
II. MAGISTRACY.
Table A shows the number of cases heard by the District Officer sitting as Police Magistrate and as Judge of the Small Debts Court.
The year was an exceptionally busy one for the Small Debts Court, the number of cases heard, and of writs of execution issued, being considerably in excess of previous records. Money Loan Association or "wui" disputes have been distressingly frequent. Properly conducted, these associations are undoubtedly useful, but the spirit of P'ong Kung, their founder, seems to have departed from many a New Territory "wui", and in case after case it is found that the most fundamental rules have been disregarded.
Money is scarce in the Territory and the cost of living has risen, owing to the high price of rice, and this no doubt accounts for the increase in debt cases and in the number of writs that it was found necessary to issue.
The more serious crimes reported during the year included three murders and eight armed robberies on land. Two of the three murders were due to family quarrels. The armed robberies were committed not by people of the District, but by persons from Chinese Territory.
Armed robberies on the water were three in number. A new system of water patrols introduced during the year at the head of Deep Bay will, it is hoped, provide for the better safeguarding of an exposed district.
In general the Territory has been quiet and the local people have given little trouble to the Police.
Two fires occurred during the year: one at Sai Kung, which was fortunately not very serious, and one at Yun Long Market, which did damage to the extent of $1,200 and might have been much more serious but for the good work of a small fire engine.
Appendix J.
TORIE
REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1919.
A. NORTHERN DISTRICT.
I-STAFF.
Mr. G. N. Orme had charge of the office until March 28th, and I acted from March 29th until the end of the
year.
II. MAGISTRACY.
Table A shews the number of cases heard by the District Officer sitting as Police Magistrate and as Judge of the Small Debts Court.
The year was an exceptionally busy one for the Small Debts Court, the number of cases heard, and of writs of execution issued, being considerably in excess of previous records. Money Loan Association or "wui" disputes bave been distressingly frequent. Properly conducted, these associations are undoubtedly useful, but the spirit of P'ong Kung, their founder, seems to have depart- ed from many a New Territory "wni", and in case after case it is found that the most fundamental rules have been disregarded.
Money is scarce in the Territory and the cost of living has risen, owing to the high price of rice, and this no doubt accounts for the increase in debt cases and in the number of writs that it was found necessary to issue,
The more serious crimes reported during the year included three murders and eight armed robberies on land. Two of the three murders were due to family quarrels. The armed robberies were committed nor by people of the District, but by persons from Chinese Territory.
Armed robberies on the water were three in number. A new system of water patrols introduced during the year at the head of Deep Bay will, it is hoped, provide for the better
afe-guarding of an exposed district.
In general the Territory has been quiet and the local people have given little trouble to the Police.
Two fires occurred during the year: one at Sai Kung, which was fortunately not very serious, and one at Yun Long Market, which did damage to the extent of $1,200 and might have been much more serious but for the good work of a small fire engine
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.